Minority college fund awards thousands of dollars in scholarships

Minority college fund awards thousands of dollars in scholarships

As a result of the current economic climate, a number of adults are returning to college. Due to the high costs of education, a number of these nontraditional students may qualify for tuition assistance.

In order to provide access to higher education to degree seekers who display financial need, the Highland, California-based San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians recently awarded a $120,000 grant to the American Indian College Fund. As a result of the grant, the fund will support the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians Tribal College Scholarship Program, the Sovereign Nations Scholarship Fund Endowment and the Flame of Hope Gala, which benefits Native student financial aid programs and raises awareness about the nation's 33 tribal colleges and universities.

"We are honored to receive this grant from the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians," said Richard B. Williams, president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund. "This generous gift will help ensure the success of these three very important projects."

These tuition assistance programs seek to assist Native American learners in their pursuit of higher education.

By Mark Danson